Having recently benefited from the loan of a large aperture SJAA dob I thought I'd chime in. I had the 17" Ziederscope for for about 6 months. I have a question of my own. Who's willing to loan me their 16" to 18" dob for three months? I'll use your Obsession, Pletstone, Starmaster, LightBridge, etc. Point is I don't know anywhere else that I can barrow a lorge dob for three months other than SJAA. Borrowing the Ziederscope had three advantages for me:
I was able to demonstrate the dramatic difference in light gathering capicity bewteen my 8" scope and the 17" Ziederscope to my wife in the comfort of our driveway and backyard. The demonstration was critical in gaining her agreement for me to build the 16" scope I'm working on now. While she supports my hobby she's not interested in driving up to Coe till 1:00 am to see this through another club member's scope. The abilty to borrow the scope and use it at my leasure at home was a huge advantage.
I was able to study the Ziederscope in detail for a long time. This helped me develop the confidence that I could build my own, which I am currently doing. When it's complete and if it works I will have saved thousands of dollars.
It allowed me drag around a large scope for a period of time and decide if the time and dollar investment was worth it and just as important if I'd actualy use it.
Small dobs are available in abundance through the club, Cragslist and retailers for not a whole lotta money. BIG dobs are a different story. While they do require more commitment from a borrower or owner they open the sky to a universe not seen in an 8" or even a 10" scope. I found it beneficial to test my commitment prior to investing.
I think it would tragic for the club to purge it's inventory of large aperture loaner scopes.
Greg Claytor
-- GSSP Telescope List (Updated 5/24/08): http://tinyurl.com/5ob2th TAC Stats Tracking: http://tinyurl.com/5w795e Mailing list preferences: http://seds.org/mailman/listinfo/sf-bay-tacReceived on Sat May 31 11:21:54 2008
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